Rome, Italy, is a magical city that weaves together history, culture, and romance. Spanning 28 centuries from the Roman Empire to the Italian Renaissance, Roman architecture gave birth to both the Baroque and Neoclassical style. One of the most charming aspects of Rome are the multitudinous fountains that grace the city. Whether you are on foot, bike, or by car, this bucket list of fountains in Rome, Italy, is a wonderful way to journey through the various neighborhoods. Take the opportunity at the fountains for a series of selfies, or for a chance to sit and journal or draw. Read below to begin mapping out your fountain tour of Rome, Italy, today! Scroll below for the best fountains in Rome, Italy.
1. Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the bees)
Fontana delle Api was created in 1644, a testament to the breadth of time that Rome has existed as a major metropolitan city. Sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the fountain is noted by its marble shell with three bees resting on it. Scripted in the marble shell are the words, “Urban VIII Pont. Max., having built a fountain for the public ornamentation of the City, also built this little fountain to be of service to private citizens. In the year 1644, XXI of his pontificate.” Originally intended to serve as a water trough for horses, the beautiful fountain in the Piazza Barberini is a perfect spot to relax or enjoy an Italian gelato.
Fontana delle Api
Address: Piazza Barberini, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
2. Fontana di Piazza d'Aracoeli (Fountain in the Piazza d'Aracoeli)
Beautiful Fontana di Piazza d'Aracoeli, located at the base of Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, is an idyllic spot for tourists and locals alike. One of the original fountains of the city, it’s simplicity heralds an elegant quality. Two basins collect water while children sit atop the fountain pouring water. Commissioned in 1589, the fountain has undergone changes over time, finally reaching completion in the 18th century. Just off of Piazza Venezia, this is a sweet gem of a fountain.
Fontana di Piazza d'Aracoeli
Address: Piazza d'Aracoeli, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
3. Fontana della Pigna (Fountain of the pine cone)
Fontana della Pigna is noted by the large bronze pine cone on top of the fountain. Set inside the Vatican, Fontana della Pigna is one of the oldest fountains of Rome, dating back to the 1st century AD. Originally, the fountain stood atop the Pantheon, next to the Temple of Isis. Though the pine cone fountain no longer spews water from the pine cone, the lower part of the fountain (with a figurehead) does. Fontana della Pigna is a must-see when visiting the Vatican grounds.
Fontana della Pigna
Address: Piazza di S. Marco, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
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4. Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the old boat)
At the foot of the Spanish Steps lies the Fontana della Baraccia, a Baroque-style fountain in the shape of a sea-faring boat. The half-sunken ship overflows with water into the pool that surrounds the fountain. Completed in 1629, the Fontana della Baraccia pays tribute to a flood of 1598 of the River Tiber. Poet John Keats apparently loved this fountain so much, he could hear the water rushing from his deathbed.
Fontana della Barcaccia
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
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5. Fontana dei Dioscuri (Fountain of Dioscuri)
Set in the large Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence to the President of the Italian Republic sits Fontana dei Dioscuri. Though the original fountain no longer exists, a replacement fountain was installed in 1818. Two statues hug the tall stone pillar which shoots towards the sky. This large piazza is formidable and worth visiting, surely stop to take in the Fontana dei Dioscuri while doing so.
Fontana dei Dioscuri
Address: Piazza del Quirinale, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
6. Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain)
Fontana del Moro has a large Moorish (North African) man standing in a conch shell, seemingly wrestling a dolphin. Surrounded by four titans, this large fountain has been revitalized after a vandal attacked the marble in 2011. The fountain stands in Piazza Navona, which dates back to the first century. Piazza Navona is also home to a second fountain, the Fountain of Neptune.
Fontana del Moro
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
7. Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune)
The stunning Fontana del Nettuno also sits in the Piazza Navona. Neptune proves his godliness in this statue, which depicts him fighting a sea monster, surrounded by beautiful sea nymphs. Fontana del Nettuno is also sculpted by Giacomo Della Porta whose second fountain, Fontana del Moro sits at the opposite end of the piazza.
Fontana del Nettuno
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
8. Fountains of St. Peter's Square
The Fountains of St. Peter’s Square are set in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. A number of fountains are included in the square and are as listed: The Bernini Fountain on the south side of the square, and Maderno Fountain which is on the left side of St. Peter’s. Additionally, the Pope Innocent VIII Fountain is on the north side and was built in 1490. The original source of water for both fountains came from a hill, causing the water to shoot upwards.
Fountains of St. Peter's Square
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Città Del Vaticano, Vatican City 00120
Website: Fountains of St. Peter’s Square
9. Fontana delle Naiadi (Fountain of the Naiads)
One of the only female-focused fountains in Rome, Fontana delle Naiadi depicts four nymphs. Deemed scandalous in the 1800s, as the women are presented in provocative poses, the Fontana delle Naiadi remains a tribute to the Goddess of energy these nymphs evoke. Standing in the center is a man fighting a dolphin, as a symbol of man over nature. A busy area, the Fontana delle Naiadi provides a calm within the storm.
Fontana delle Naiadi
Address: Fontana delle Naiadi, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
10. Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain)
A tribute to the Greek god, Triton, Fontana del Tritone exemplifies godlike qualities. Ovid’s Metamorphosis serves as inspiration for the statue, as Triton is said to have blown his horn and ended a great flood. Triton sits on a scallop shell and is supported by four fishes. A beautiful statue not to be missed, Fontana del Tritone is the cherry on top of an extensive day of fountain hopping.
Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain)
Address: Piazza Barberini, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Fountains galore
Visiting these top 10 fountains in gorgeous Rome is a great way to spend one’s time. Not only do they make for great memories and pictures, visiting the fountains is a free activity that can be done in any season. Each fountain provides a small window into the layers of history of the city. Get started on your bucket list of fountain visits!
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